Tip of the Spear - United States Special Operations Command
Tip of the Spear - United States Special Operations Command
Tip of the Spear - United States Special Operations Command
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Petry receives Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor .........................18<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>Adm. Bill H. McRaven<strong>Command</strong>er, USSOCOMCSM Thomas Smith<strong>Command</strong> Sergeant MajorCol. Tim NyePublic Affairs DirectorMike BottomsManaging EditorTech. Sgt. Larry W. Carpenter, Jr.NCOIC, <strong>Command</strong> InformationTech. Sgt. Hea<strong>the</strong>r KellyStaff WriterThis is a U.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> publication. Contents are notnecessarily <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial views <strong>of</strong>, or endorsed by, <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government,Department <strong>of</strong> Defense or USSOCOM. The content is edited, prepared andprovided by <strong>the</strong> USSOCOM Public Affairs Office, 7701 Tampa Point Blvd.,MacDill AFB, Fla., 33621, phone (813) 826-4600, DSN 299-4600. Anelectronic copy can be found at www.socom.mil. E-mail <strong>the</strong> editor viaunclassified network at public.affairs@socom.mil. The editor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong> reserves <strong>the</strong> right to edit all copy presented for publication.(Cover) President Barack Obama awards <strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor to Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry at <strong>the</strong> White House inWashington, D.C., July 12. Photo by Army Spc. David M. Sharp.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>2
HighlightsDepartmentsChange <strong>of</strong> <strong>Command</strong>Adm. McRaven takes command <strong>of</strong> USSOCOM ... 4Component changes <strong>of</strong> command ... 6SOF Around <strong>the</strong> WorldAdm. McRaven assumescommand............................4Tactical Combat Casualty Care in Croatia ... 8Valor within our ranks ... 10Fuerzas Comando 2011 in El Salvador ... 12<strong>Special</strong> Feature - Ranger receives Medal <strong>of</strong> HonorRanger Petry receives Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor ... 18Air Force <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong>FuerzasComando2011...........12New commander: AFSOC packs a punch ... 24Naval <strong>Special</strong> Warfare <strong>Command</strong>SEALs ga<strong>the</strong>r to celebrate, remember past ... 26Marine Corps Forces <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong>First Lambertsen Award presented to MARSOC NCO ... 28HeadquartersGreen Beret summits Mount Everest ... 30Green Beret summitsMount Everest.....................30International ideas converge to promote security ... 34Fallen heroes ... 38<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>3
Adm. Bill H. McRaven gives remarks during <strong>the</strong> U.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> change <strong>of</strong> command ceremony held at <strong>the</strong>Davis Conference Center, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Aug. 8. McRaven assumed command from Adm. Eric T. Olson and is <strong>the</strong>ninth commander <strong>of</strong> USSOCOM. Photo by Mike Bottoms.USSOCOM welcomes new commanderBy Tech. Sgt. Hea<strong>the</strong>r KellyUSSOCOM Public AffairsAdm. Bill H. McRaven assumed command <strong>of</strong> U.S.<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> from Adm. Eric T. Olsonduring a change <strong>of</strong> command ceremony Aug 8. at <strong>the</strong> DavisConference Center, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta presided over <strong>the</strong>ceremony, praising Olson for <strong>the</strong> work he and <strong>the</strong> commandhave accomplished.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>4“Eric is beloved by those under his command,” saidPanetta. “As he says, humans are more important thanhardware, and quality is more important than quantity. Andthat’s exactly where his focus has been here at SOCOM –finding, caring for and keeping <strong>the</strong> highest quality people.“As a result <strong>of</strong> his hard work, we now have <strong>the</strong> besttrained,<strong>the</strong> best-equipped and <strong>the</strong> most experienced <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> Force in <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong>.”Panetta also acknowledged Olson’s operationalcontributions, highlighting his efforts during <strong>the</strong> 1993 Black
Hawk down battle in Mogadishu.“It was <strong>the</strong>n-<strong>Command</strong>er Olson who led a groundconvoy to rescue his comrades fighting for <strong>the</strong>ir lives againsthundreds <strong>of</strong> enemy fighters who had <strong>the</strong>m surrounded.“That mission showed Eric’s extraordinary courage, hiswarrior spirit, his inspired leadership and <strong>the</strong> overwhelmingcare and concern he has for his comrades-in-arms. All traitsthat he has demonstrated again and again throughout hisstoried career.”During <strong>the</strong> ceremony, a moment <strong>of</strong> silence was observedto honor <strong>the</strong> U.S. servicemembers and Afghan National Armycommandos killed during recent events in Afghanistan.“We will honor <strong>the</strong> fallen by showing <strong>the</strong> world ourunyielding determination to press ahead, to move forwardwith <strong>the</strong> hard work that must be done to protect our country,”said Panetta.McRaven becomes <strong>the</strong> ninth commander <strong>of</strong> USSOCOMand responsible for all Army, Navy, Air Force and MarineCorps <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Forces. USSOCOM is <strong>the</strong>Department <strong>of</strong> Defense’s lead command for planning andsynchronizing <strong>the</strong> global war against violent extremistorganizations.“I can’t think <strong>of</strong> anyone better suited to help succeedAdmiral Olson in this tough job and manage <strong>the</strong> continuedgrowth <strong>of</strong> SOCOM than ano<strong>the</strong>r Navy SEAL, Admiral BillMcRaven,” Panetta said.“He is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> military’s outstanding strategic thinkersand leaders, who has always kept faith with those servingdownrange.”McRaven thanked Secretary Panetta and remindedeveryone <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> USSOCOM’s mission.“The world today is as unpredictable as ever,” saidMcRaven. “And as such, <strong>the</strong> American people will expect usto be prepared for every contingency, to answer every call toarms, to venture where o<strong>the</strong>r forces cannot, and to win everyfight no matter how tough or how long.“They will expect it because we are <strong>the</strong> nation’s <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> Force, and Mr. Secretary, we will not let <strong>the</strong>mdown,” McRaven concluded.McRaven most recently served as <strong>the</strong> commander <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Joint <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> headquartered at FortBragg, N.C.He has also commanded at every level within <strong>the</strong> <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> community, including assignments as <strong>the</strong>commander <strong>of</strong> <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> Europe,director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NATO <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> ForcesCoordination Centre, deputy commanding general for<strong>Operations</strong> at JSOC, commodore <strong>of</strong> Naval <strong>Special</strong> WarfareDefense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Adm. Bill H. McRavenapplaud Adm. Eric T. Olson during <strong>the</strong> U.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong><strong>Command</strong> change <strong>of</strong> command ceremony held at <strong>the</strong> DavisConference Center, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Aug. 8.McRaven assumed command and became <strong>the</strong> ninthcommander <strong>of</strong> USSOCOM. Photo by Mike Bottoms.Group 1, commander <strong>of</strong> Seal Team 3, Task Group<strong>Command</strong>er in <strong>the</strong> Central <strong>Command</strong> area <strong>of</strong> responsibility,Task Unit <strong>Command</strong>er during Desert Storm and DesertShield, squadron commander at Naval <strong>Special</strong> WarfareDevelopment Group, and SEAL platoon commander atUnderwater Demolition Team 21/SEAL Team 4.His pr<strong>of</strong>essional education includes assignment to <strong>the</strong>Naval Postgraduate School, where he helped establish andwas <strong>the</strong> first graduate from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>/Low-Intensity Conflict curriculum.Olson, <strong>the</strong> first Navy SEAL to be promoted to three- andlater four-star rank, will retire in August after 38 years <strong>of</strong>service to <strong>the</strong> nation.“My most powerful memories will be <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> individualpeople who selflessly serve or served,” Olson said. “I’ve had<strong>the</strong> opportunity to meet <strong>the</strong>m at <strong>the</strong>ir headquarters, trainingareas and forward bases, hospitals and recovery centers.“Their motivation is strong, <strong>the</strong>ir skills are incredible,<strong>the</strong>ir bravery in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> enemy is unflinching, <strong>the</strong>irspirit is unwavering and <strong>the</strong>ir families are impressive almostbeyond belief… I admire each <strong>of</strong> you for all you have doneand continue to do.“To serve as commander has been <strong>the</strong> highest <strong>of</strong> honors,”Olson said. “This is a force <strong>of</strong> which America can and shouldbe intensely proud. And it is a force that America surelyneeds.”<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>5
SOCOM changes <strong>of</strong> commandNaval <strong>Special</strong> Warfare <strong>Command</strong>Adm. Eric T. Olson, (center) USSOCOM commander,watches as Rear Adm. Edward G. Winters (left) andRear Adm. Sean A. Pybus (right) salute at <strong>the</strong> Naval<strong>Special</strong> Warfare <strong>Command</strong> change <strong>of</strong> commandceremony held at Coronado, Calif., June 30. Pybusrelieved Winters as commander <strong>of</strong> Naval <strong>Special</strong>Warfare <strong>Command</strong>. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2ndClass Dominique M. Lasco.Air Force <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong>Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel (right), accepts command<strong>of</strong> Air Force <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> from AirForce Chief <strong>of</strong> Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, HurlburtField, Fla., June 24. Fiel was <strong>the</strong> vice commander,Headquarters U.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong>,Washington, D.C., before taking command <strong>of</strong> AFSOC.Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Julianne M. Showalter.<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> - CentralMarine Gen. James Mattis, (center) U.S. Central<strong>Command</strong> commander, presides over <strong>the</strong> <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> - Central change <strong>of</strong> commandceremony where Army Maj. Gen. Charles T. Cleveland(left) relinquished command to Army Brig. Gen. KenTovo (right) at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., July 29.Courtesy photo.<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> - PacificNavy Adm. Robert F. Willard, U.S. Pacific <strong>Command</strong>commander, (center) presides over <strong>the</strong> <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> - Pacific change <strong>of</strong> commandceremony where Navy Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus (left)is relieved by Air Force Maj. Gen. Norman J. BrozenickJr. (right), Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, June 9. Photo byMarine Sgt. Peter J. Thibodeau.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>6
Combined Forces <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Component <strong>Command</strong> – Afghanistan(Left to right) Army Brig. Gen. Scott Miller, Army Gen.David H. Petraeus, International Security AssistanceForce former commander, and Army Brig. Gen.Christopher Haas, incoming CFSOCC-A commander,render honors during <strong>the</strong> CFSOCC-A change <strong>of</strong>command ceremony July 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan.Courtesy photo.7th <strong>Special</strong> ForcesGroup (A)Army Col. AntonioFletcher took command<strong>of</strong> 7th SFG (A) in aceremony at Eglin AirForce Base, Fla., July 8.Army Brig. Gen. EdwardReeder Jr., (left) Army<strong>Special</strong> Forces<strong>Command</strong> (Airborne)commander, passesFletcher <strong>the</strong> commandflag. Courtesy photo.1st <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> WingAir Force Col. JamesSlife (right) acceptscommand <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1st<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Wing from Air Force<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong><strong>Command</strong> commanderLt. Gen. Eric Fiel,Hurlburt Field, Fla.,June 29. Photo by AirForce Staff Sgt.Stephanie Jacobs.Joint <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Task Force –PhilippinesArmy Col. Fran Beaudette, Joint <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Task Force Philippines incoming commander, speaksduring a change <strong>of</strong> command ceremony atZamboanga, Philippines. Beaudette assumedcommand June 24. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1stClass Cassandra Thompson.75th RangerRegimentArmy Col. Mark W.Odom (left) acceptscommand <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 75thRanger Regiment fromArmy Lt. Gen. JohnMulholland, USASOCcommander, atSoldiers Field,National InfantryMuseum, FortBenning, Ga., July 28.Photo by Tracy Bailey.27th <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> WingAir Force Col. AlbertElton II, (right) acceptscommand <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 27th<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Wing from Lt. Gen. EricFiel, AFSOCcommander, at <strong>the</strong>change <strong>of</strong> commandceremony at Cannon AirForce Base, N.M., July8. Photo by Air ForceAirman Ericka Engblom.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>7
A Latvian <strong>Special</strong> Forces medic conducts first aid on asimulated casualty with limited visibility during <strong>the</strong> FieldTraining Exercise as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tactical CombatCasualty Care (TCCC) course held in Udbina, Croatia.U.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> Europe developedand conducted <strong>the</strong> TCCC Train-<strong>the</strong>-Trainer course toenhance <strong>the</strong> SOF capability and interoperability <strong>of</strong> SOFmedics from eight NATO and partner nations toincorporate one recognized standard for managingtrauma on <strong>the</strong> battlefield.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>8
151) A Romanian, left, and Lithuanian <strong>Special</strong> Forces Medic,right, debates over <strong>the</strong> best method to evacuate simulatedcasualties to safety during <strong>the</strong> Field Training Exercise aspart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tactical Combat Casualty Care course held inUdbina, Croatia.22) Croatian SOF medics evacuate a simulated casualty tosafety as a Hungarian <strong>Special</strong> Forces medic evaluates <strong>the</strong>irperformance.3) A Croatian <strong>Special</strong> Forces Medic provides hand and armsignals to land a Mi-17 aircraft to pick up simulatedcasualties during a field training exercise as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Tactical Combat Casualty Care.4) A team <strong>of</strong> multinational <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Forces medicsfrom Hungary, Croatia and Ukraine hurries across an openfield to take a simulated casualty to an awaiting aircraft.5) A team <strong>of</strong> multinational <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Forces medicsfrom Hungary, Croatia and Ukraine evacuates a simulatedcasualty to a Croatian Mi-17.34<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>9
<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>10Valor within our ranksTask Force 10 Operators garner numerous awardsStory and photo by Army Master Sgt. Donald SparksSOCEUR Public Affairs<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Forces personnel from <strong>the</strong> 1stBattalion, 10th <strong>Special</strong> Forces Group (Airborne), 321st<strong>Special</strong> Tactics Squadron, and <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong><strong>Command</strong> Europe ga<strong>the</strong>red at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart,Germany, to pay homage to and witness <strong>the</strong> presentation <strong>of</strong>two Silver Star Medals, 11 Bronze Stars with Valor, andone Army Commendation Medal with Valor during aceremony June 13.Master Sgt. William “Joe” Dickinson and Staff Sgt.Adam Dorner, both <strong>of</strong> 1/10 SFG (A), were formallypresented <strong>the</strong>ir Silver Star Award by Adm. Eric T. Olson,commander, U.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong>.Olson particularly praised <strong>the</strong> families <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SOFcommunity for <strong>the</strong>ir role in supporting <strong>the</strong>ir operators.“This has to be a family affair,” Olson said. “TheSoldiers and Airmen are not who <strong>the</strong>y are without <strong>the</strong>family support behind <strong>the</strong>m, so it’s great for <strong>the</strong>m to behere. I recognize that every time we ask something <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>servicemember we are asking just as much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unitinfrastructure – <strong>the</strong> families. It is <strong>the</strong>ir sacrifices that make<strong>the</strong>se missions possible and I thank you all.”As part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ceremony a personal video from ISAF<strong>Command</strong>er Gen. David Petraeus was presented to <strong>the</strong>audience highlighting not only <strong>the</strong> courage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Soldiersand Airmen, but also recognizing <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> Task Force10’s continuous rotation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Forces tosupport <strong>the</strong> ISAF mission.In praising <strong>the</strong> men for <strong>the</strong>ir valorous actions on <strong>the</strong>battlefield, Maj. Gen. Michael Repass, SOCEURcommander, said, “They are men who are humble in <strong>the</strong>irdaily life yet extraordinary in every aspect <strong>of</strong> combat.These are men <strong>of</strong> deeds and not words. As a result youwould o<strong>the</strong>rwise not know anything about <strong>the</strong>m and what<strong>the</strong>y did in combat, what <strong>the</strong>y accomplished when it was<strong>the</strong>ir time to act under extreme circumstances.”Dickinson – Right Place, Right TimeDickinson, an operations sergeant to U.S. <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> Task Unit-0112, <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Task Force-10, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism whileengaged in direct combat against invading insurgent forcesat Bagram Airfield on May 19, 2010.Realizing <strong>the</strong> base was under attack, Dickinson and hisfive-man team ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>the</strong>ir weapons and body armor andmaneuvered toward an inner perimeter wall 120 metersaway while exposed to enemy RPG and tracer fire.“We ga<strong>the</strong>red our weapons and equipment, it took us alittle while to get <strong>the</strong>re,” Dickinson said. “The AH-64swere on site pretty fast and <strong>the</strong>re was some dangerous close30 millimeter fire going on. I knocked a few <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m(Taliban) down.”Reaching <strong>the</strong> inner perimeter, Dickinson and <strong>the</strong> teamengaged and killed three insurgents who had breached <strong>the</strong>outer perimeter wall. He <strong>the</strong>n led two o<strong>the</strong>r team membersto <strong>the</strong> outer perimeter wall, evading grenades being thrownby enemy forces on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side.Countering with <strong>the</strong>ir own grenades, Dickinson and histeam secured <strong>the</strong>ir position and observed that <strong>the</strong> threeinsurgents from <strong>the</strong>ir first engagement were dressed in <strong>the</strong>U.S. Army Combat Uniform and equipped with suicidevests, hand grenades, RPGs, and AK-47 assault rifles.“Once we got a handle on <strong>the</strong> situation and saw that<strong>the</strong>y were in ACUs, I knew that was going to be a problem– a really bad problem, as <strong>the</strong>y were not quicklyidentifiable to friendly forces on Bagram,” Dickinson said.“So I made <strong>the</strong> decision to go outside <strong>the</strong> outer wallbecause <strong>the</strong> guard towers didn’t cover all <strong>the</strong> dead space.”Coordinating with <strong>the</strong> Bagram Air Field guard towers,<strong>the</strong> team decided to clear <strong>the</strong> dead space on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outer perimeter. Though exposed to enemyobservation, Dickinson led four o<strong>the</strong>r team members over<strong>the</strong> wall. Four additional deceased insurgents wereidentified immediately on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side. Ano<strong>the</strong>r, stillliving, tried to arm his suicide vest and was quicklyneutralized by Dickinson and members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> element.The team was <strong>the</strong>n informed that 20 insurgents werereportedly massing 800 meters southwest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir position.Realizing <strong>the</strong> imminent threat, <strong>the</strong> SOTU-0112 Team
Leader organized a voluntary patrol <strong>of</strong> five SOTU-0112Soldiers, two Combined Joint <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> TaskForce Soldiers, and six TF Morgan Soldiers.Dickinson fearlessly took point in <strong>the</strong> front, skirting <strong>the</strong>BAF perimeter to close with and engage <strong>the</strong> assaultingenemy. Approximately one kilometer into <strong>the</strong> patrol, <strong>the</strong>number eight man stepped on an anti-personnel mine andwas severely injured. Without hesitation, Dickinson ran 20meters from <strong>the</strong> front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> patrol to give first aid andsaved <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> TF Morgan Soldier.After helping to extract <strong>the</strong> Soldier over <strong>the</strong> wall, he<strong>the</strong>n grabbed a mine detector from an engineer on <strong>the</strong>perimeter, scaled <strong>the</strong> wall a final time, and cleared a path for<strong>the</strong> four patrol members still in harm’s way.Dorner – Dangerous SprinterDorner, a weapons sergeant for SOTU-0116, SOTF-10, distinguished himself by valorous actions against <strong>the</strong>enemy while deployed to Logar Province, Afghanistan. OnAug. 17, 2010, SOTU-0116 was enabling 20 Afghan NationSecurity Forces members to perform route reconnaissancealong Route New York.While moving south to north, <strong>the</strong> unit discovered apressure-plate Improvised Explosive Device ahead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>convoy. While clearing <strong>the</strong> IED, <strong>the</strong> patrol found itself in acomplex ambush, engaged by 10-12 insurgents occupyingtwo fighting positions 300 meters to <strong>the</strong> east. The enemyopened fire with 82mm mortars, RPGs, PKM light machineguns and AK-47 assault rifles against <strong>the</strong> team.“Me and two o<strong>the</strong>r teammates were on a flankingelement pulling outside security when my gun went down,”said Dorner, who was out in <strong>the</strong> open during <strong>the</strong> attackwhen his weapon malfunctioned.Dorner realized <strong>the</strong> SOTU’s 60mm mortar wasessential to continue <strong>the</strong> fight and repel <strong>the</strong> enemy, so withdisregard for his own life, he ran over 150 meters souththrough flat, open terrain paralleling enemy fightingpositions to reach <strong>the</strong> SOTU’s RG-33 vehicle and mortarsystem.Despite <strong>the</strong> RPG rounds detonating within 30 meters <strong>of</strong>his location, Dorner emplaced <strong>the</strong> mortar tube and delivered10 accurate, high-explosive rounds on <strong>the</strong> insurgentpositions. As a direct result, <strong>the</strong> SOTU-0116 leadership wasable to reorganize and direct maneuver elements intoposition and request emergency Close Air Support.Informed that <strong>the</strong> AH-64 Air Weapons Team overheadwas unable to effectively target <strong>the</strong> enemy positions, <strong>the</strong>team assessed <strong>the</strong> only way to eliminate <strong>the</strong> insurgents wasby direct assault. Dorner hastily prepared and led amaneuver element consisting <strong>of</strong> seven ANSF and threeSOTU-0116 members to engage and assault <strong>the</strong> enemyforces.“We just started assaulting through <strong>the</strong> objective,” saidDorner who fearlessly took point for his element and led abold assault across 300 meters <strong>of</strong> open terrain. “The enemyactually reinitiated two or three times with machine gunfire. But once we started taking <strong>the</strong> fight to <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>y beganto quit. We won <strong>the</strong> day that day.”O<strong>the</strong>r valor award recipients were:Army Capt. Craig Bighouse, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Sgt. 1st Class Michael Murray, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Sgt. 1st Class McKenna Miller, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Sgt. 1st Class Rod Reschel, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Staff Sgt. Sabriel Ashley, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Staff Sgt. Robert “Al”Murray, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Staff Sgt. Patrick Roberts, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Staff Sgt. Richard Telck, Bronze Star w/ValorAir Force Staff Sgt. David Ibsen, Bronze Star w/ValorAir Force Staff Sgt. Theodore H<strong>of</strong>knecht, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Pfc. William Langley, Bronze Star w/ValorArmy Staff Sgt. Ricky Streeter, Army CommendationMedal w/ValorServicemembers assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th <strong>Special</strong> ForcesGroup (Airborne) and 321st <strong>Special</strong> Tactics Squadron standalongside family members and friends at <strong>the</strong> conclusion <strong>of</strong> avalor ceremony held June 13 at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart,Germany. The event recognized 14 valor award recipients for<strong>the</strong>ir courage and gallantry while assigned to <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> Task Force 10 in Afghanistan.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>11
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<strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Soldiers perform a demonstration <strong>of</strong> an“Integrated Assault” for <strong>the</strong> FuerzasComando competition June 20. FuerzasComando, established in 2004, is a U.S.Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Command</strong>-sponsored <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> skills competition andsenior leader seminar conductedannually in Central and South Americaand <strong>the</strong> Caribbean. Photo by Army Spc.Bethany L. Little.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>13
The Dominican <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Sniper Team prepares for <strong>the</strong> Stalk event <strong>of</strong> Fuerzas Comando 2011, June 16, at ShangalloRange, outside San Salvador. Fuerzas Comando, established in 2004, is a U.S. Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Command</strong>-sponsored special forcesskills competition. Photo by Army Spc. Casey Collier.Elite commandos from 19 countries participated inFuerzas Comando 2011, a demanding counterterrorism andspecial operations skills competition sponsored by U.S.Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Command</strong> to promote military-to-militaryrelationships, increased interoperability and improvedregional security.The competitors, from throughout Central and SouthAmerica and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, are taking part in <strong>the</strong> eighthannual competition that kicked <strong>of</strong>f June 15 and continuesthrough June 23 in Ilopango, El Salvador, said Air ForceMaj. Brett Phillips, <strong>the</strong> lead Fuerzas Comando planner forU.S. <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> South.The El Salvadoran military hosted this year’s exercise,with participants from Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Chile,Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, ElSalvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay,Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and <strong>the</strong><strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong>.The competition consists <strong>of</strong> sniper, assault, physicalfitness, strength and endurance events that challengecommandos psychologically as well as physically, Phillipssaid.Among this year’s events was a timed 18.8-kilometerforced march, with six-man teams from each countrycarrying 30-pound rucksacks and rifles, and a series <strong>of</strong>sniper competitions that include target acquisition, rangeestimation and night shooting events.While special operators tested out <strong>the</strong>ir tactical skills, aconcurrent senior-leader seminar provided a strategic-levelfocus to security challenges and possible solutions. Twentyfournations sent a senior special operations <strong>of</strong>ficer,typically <strong>the</strong> brigade-level commander <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’scommando team, and a ministerial-level policymakerassociated with <strong>the</strong> country’s counterterrorism policies,<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>14
procedures and strategies, to participate in <strong>the</strong> two-daydistinguished visitor program, Phillips said.“That’s when <strong>the</strong>y talk about <strong>the</strong> regionalcounterterrorism projects and programs that are in place,<strong>the</strong>y talk about trans-national threats, <strong>the</strong>y talk about illicittrafficking and how to combat that,” he said. “That iswhere you are addressing those strategic-level thoughtprocesses and objectives.”Phillips called this two-part approach key to fosteringrelationships throughout <strong>the</strong> ranks that pay <strong>of</strong>f in closerregional cooperation, enhanced mutual trust and increasedmilitary interoperability as it advances <strong>the</strong> counterterrorismtraining and readiness <strong>of</strong> participating specialoperations forces.“It’s <strong>the</strong> strategic level, with <strong>the</strong> commanders andstrategic thinkers from that country, all <strong>the</strong> way down to <strong>the</strong>tactical level, where <strong>the</strong> teams that go and break down <strong>the</strong>doors and go save people, or, depending upon <strong>the</strong>irrequirement, <strong>the</strong>y eliminate a threat,” he said.There’s ano<strong>the</strong>r dimension to Fuerzas Comando aswell. As commandos compete and <strong>the</strong>ir leaders convene,staff members from each participating country operated asa combined staff, providing administrative, logistical,medical, communications and o<strong>the</strong>r support.This, Phillips explained, gives <strong>the</strong> staffs experience<strong>the</strong>y would need to work toge<strong>the</strong>r during a real-worldcontingency.While Fuerzas Comando has sparked some healthycompetition among participants, “<strong>the</strong> camaraderie and <strong>the</strong>fraternity between <strong>the</strong>se teams from all <strong>the</strong>se differentcountries has been just exceptional,” he said.When <strong>the</strong> commandos weren’t competing, <strong>the</strong>y shared<strong>the</strong>ir operational experiences and ideas with o<strong>the</strong>r teamsand compared different tactics, techniques and procedures.This promotes cooperation and learning, along with a betterunderstanding <strong>of</strong> how different countries’ militariesoperate, Phillips said.It also lays a foundation for relationships, he said, thatcould have a big pay<strong>of</strong>f in <strong>the</strong> future as commandosadvance to increasingly responsible positions within <strong>the</strong>irrespective militaries.“Now, if <strong>the</strong>re is a conflict,” he added, “it is a lot morelikely that <strong>the</strong> conflict will be resolved between two chiefs<strong>of</strong> staff who know each o<strong>the</strong>r, who have had a relationshipon a personal side as well as pr<strong>of</strong>essional, and <strong>the</strong>y canresolve <strong>the</strong>ir problems in a more practical manner thanresorting to armed conflict.”Phillips said he’s seen past competitors who’d risenthrough <strong>the</strong> ranks return to Fuerzas Comando as seniormilitary commanders or government <strong>of</strong>ficials to participatein <strong>the</strong> strategic-level distinguished visitor forum.“That’s our dream that we are seeing realized,” Phillipssaid. “These younger team leads from years ago are nowgrowing in rank and position and soon will be able to pickup <strong>the</strong> phone and talk to Juan or Jose or Jorge or whoever<strong>the</strong>y competed against 10, 15 years ago as a team member,”and bring <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> shared operational expertise tostrategic-level conversations.Phillips said he’s also encouraged by <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Fuerzas Comando, which began in 2004 with 13 countries.“It just grows and gets better every year,” he said.U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Thomas L. Brown II,commander <strong>of</strong> <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> South,thanked participants during <strong>the</strong> opening ceremonies at ElSalvador’s <strong>Special</strong> Counterterrorism <strong>Command</strong> specialoperations center for <strong>the</strong> dedication <strong>the</strong>y have brought to<strong>the</strong> competition and to regional security.“You represent <strong>the</strong> world’s finest warriors, sacrificingdaily to defend and protect <strong>the</strong> freedom and security <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Western Hemisphere,” <strong>the</strong> admiral told <strong>the</strong>participants.A Panamanian special operations member fires his rifle during<strong>the</strong> Pistol and Rifle Qualification event June 16, at <strong>the</strong> CentroEspecial Anti-Terrorista compound, El Salvador. Photo byArmy Sgt. 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21) Col. Jesus Daniel Serrano Cea <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> El SalvadoranArmy salutes <strong>the</strong> colors during <strong>the</strong> opening ceremony <strong>of</strong>Fuerzas Comando 2011 June 15 at <strong>the</strong> Comando EspecialAnti-Terrorista compound, Ilopango, El Salvador. Photoby Army Sgt. Luke Rollins.2) A Guatemalan competitor does push ups trying to helphis team win <strong>the</strong> first event, <strong>the</strong> physical fitness test, inthis year’s Fuerzas Comando competition held atIlopango, El Salvador. Photo by Army Sgt. Monique Tindal.3) The Chilean special operations team brings its raftashore June 20 at <strong>the</strong> aquatic event <strong>of</strong> Fuerzas Comando2011 at Costa del Sol, El Salvador. Photo by Army StaffSgt. Daniel Shapiro.13<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>16
6474) A member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> assault team from Trinidad and Tobagodrags a weighted dummy during <strong>the</strong> “Stress Event” <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Fuerzas Comando, Shingallo Range, El Salvador, June 19.Photo by Army Sgt. Casey A. Collier.5) The spotter from <strong>the</strong> two-man sniper team assists <strong>the</strong>sniper during <strong>the</strong> shooting from unknown distances eventat Fuerzas Comando 2011 June 19, llopango, El Salvador.Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Nicole L Howell.6) <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Sniper Teams begin <strong>the</strong> Stalk event<strong>of</strong> Fuerzas Comando 2011, June 16, Shangallo Range, ElSalvador. Photo by Army Sgt. Casey A. Collier.57) Chilean <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> team completes <strong>the</strong> 16.8kilometers-long “Forced March” event during <strong>the</strong> FuerzasComando 2011 competition June 18. Photo by Army Sgt.Monique Tindal.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>17
Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry receives a standing ovation from President Barack Obama and guestsin <strong>the</strong> East Room <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> White House, July 12. Photo by J.D. Leipold.By Megan NeunanArmy News ServiceSgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry received <strong>the</strong> Medal<strong>of</strong> Honor from President Barack Obama during ahistoric ceremony in <strong>the</strong> East Room <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> WhiteHouse July 12.Petry is only <strong>the</strong> second active-dutyservicemember since Vietnam to live to accept <strong>the</strong>nation’s highest military honor. The first Soldier,Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, was seated in <strong>the</strong>audience that included Vice President Joe Biden,Army senior leaders, several rows <strong>of</strong> decorated ArmyRangers, and more than 100 <strong>of</strong> Petry’s family and<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>18
friends, including his wife, mo<strong>the</strong>r, fa<strong>the</strong>r,grandparents, bro<strong>the</strong>rs and four children.“This could not be happening to a nicer guy or amore inspiring family,” <strong>the</strong> president said. “Leroy,<strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor reflects <strong>the</strong> deepest gratitude <strong>of</strong>our entire nation.”Obama took <strong>the</strong> audience back to May 26, 2008,to Paktya, Afghanistan. It was <strong>the</strong> day Petry’s act <strong>of</strong>conspicuous gallantry saved <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> Sgt. DanielHiggins and Pfc. Lucas Robinson.The presidentexplained how Petry andmembers <strong>of</strong> his Co. D,2nd Bn., 75th RangerRegiment, took on a raredaylight raid on aninsurgent compound topursue a top al-Qaidacommander sequesteredinside, and how <strong>the</strong>mission left Petry andtwo <strong>of</strong> his comradeswithin feet <strong>of</strong> a liveenemy grenade.Petry was alreadyshot through both legs,but with no regard for hislife, still took action tosave comrades Higginsand Robinson fromcertain death.“Every human impulse would tell someone toturn away. Every Soldier is trained to seek cover.That’s what Sergeant Leroy Petry could havedone,” Obama said. “Instead, this woundedRanger, this 28-year-old man whohad his whole life ahead <strong>of</strong> him,this husband and fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> four didsomething extraordinary -- helunged forward toward <strong>the</strong> livegrenade. He picked it up. Hecocked his arm to throw it back.What compels such courage thatleads a person to risk everything sothat o<strong>the</strong>rs might live?”Petry shook hands with <strong>the</strong> president today usinga robotic hand, which replaced <strong>the</strong> one he lost when<strong>the</strong> grenade detonated as Petry released it.The day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> incident, even <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> his handfailed to fluster him, though. Obama marveled that<strong>the</strong> war hero applied a tourniquet himself and <strong>the</strong>nradioed for help.“The service <strong>of</strong>Leroy Petry speaks to <strong>the</strong>very essence <strong>of</strong> America --that spirit that says, nomatter how hard <strong>the</strong> journey,no matter how steep <strong>the</strong> climb,we don’t quit,” Obama said.Petry’s calm handling <strong>of</strong> a highlydangerous mission allowed o<strong>the</strong>rRangers to kill enemy fighters. Spc.Christopher“Every human impulse would tell someoneto turn away. Every Soldier is trained toseek cover. That’s what Sergeant LeroyPetry could have done. Instead, thiswounded Ranger, this 28-year-old man whohad his whole life ahead <strong>of</strong> him, thishusband and fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> four did somethingextraordinary -- he lunged forward toward<strong>the</strong> live grenade. He picked it up. He cockedhis arm to throw it back. What compelssuch courage that leads a person to riskeverything so that o<strong>the</strong>rs might live?”— President Barack H. ObamaGa<strong>the</strong>rcole gavehis life in <strong>the</strong>battle. Ga<strong>the</strong>rcole’sbro<strong>the</strong>r, sister andgrandmo<strong>the</strong>r stood as <strong>the</strong>audience gave <strong>the</strong>m athunderous round <strong>of</strong>applause in his honor.Obama shared that inan earlier meeting in <strong>the</strong>Oval Office, Petrydisplayed a plaque he hasmounted on hismechanical hand thatbears <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong>Ga<strong>the</strong>rcole and o<strong>the</strong>rSoldiers <strong>the</strong> regiment haslost.Higgins and Robinsonwere able to celebratewith Petry at <strong>the</strong> White House.“This is <strong>the</strong> stuff <strong>of</strong> which heroes are made,”Obama said. “This is <strong>the</strong> strength, <strong>the</strong> devotion thatmakes our troops <strong>the</strong> pride <strong>of</strong> every American.And this is <strong>the</strong> reason that -- like aSoldier named Leroy Petry --America doesn’t simply endure,we emerge from our trialsstronger, more confident, with oureyes fixed on <strong>the</strong> future.”Petry continues his work tohelp wounded warriors. After reenlisting,he even returned toAfghanistan for an eighth combattour last year.“Today we honor a singular act <strong>of</strong> gallantry,”Obama said in closing, “yet as we near <strong>the</strong> 10thanniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> attacks that thrust our nation intowar, this is also an occasion to pay tribute to aSoldier and a generation that has borne <strong>the</strong> burden <strong>of</strong>our security during a hard decade <strong>of</strong> sacrifice.”<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>19
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1) Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petrystands in front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2nd RangerBattalion memorial at Fort Lewis,Wash. Courtesy photo.2) Petry re-enlists for indefinitestatus at Fort Lewis, Wash., in May <strong>of</strong>2010. Courtesy photo.3) Petry before going out on amission in Afghanistan. Courtesyphoto.4) While on patrol Petry standsbetween two teammates on anobjective in Afghanistan. Courtesyphoto.23 4<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>21
Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry looks at <strong>the</strong> Hall <strong>of</strong> Heroes plaque now bearing his name after it isunveiled during a ceremony at <strong>the</strong> Pentagon, July 13. Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>22
The President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> <strong>of</strong> America,authorized by Act <strong>of</strong> Congress, March 3, 1863,has awarded in <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> Congress <strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor toStaff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry<strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> ArmyFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>of</strong> his life above and beyond <strong>the</strong> call <strong>of</strong>duty:Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry distinguished himself by acts <strong>of</strong> gallantry and intrepidity at <strong>the</strong>risk <strong>of</strong> his life above and beyond <strong>the</strong> call <strong>of</strong> duty in action with an armed enemy in <strong>the</strong> vicinity<strong>of</strong> Paktya Province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008. As a Weapons Squad Leader with DCompany, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Staff Sergeant Petry moved to clear <strong>the</strong>courtyard <strong>of</strong> a house that potentially contained high-value combatants. While crossing <strong>the</strong>courtyard, Staff Sergeant Petry and ano<strong>the</strong>r Ranger were engaged and wounded by automaticweapons fire from enemy fighters. Still under enemy fire, and wounded in both legs, StaffSergeant Petry led <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Ranger to cover. He <strong>the</strong>n reported <strong>the</strong> situation and engaged <strong>the</strong>enemy with a hand grenade, providing suppression as ano<strong>the</strong>r Ranger moved to his position.The enemy quickly responded by maneuvering closer and throwing grenades. The first grenadeexplosion knocked his two fellow Rangers to <strong>the</strong> ground and wounded both with shrapnel. Asecond grenade <strong>the</strong>n landed only a few feet away from <strong>the</strong>m. Instantly realizing <strong>the</strong> danger, StaffSergeant Petry, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, deliberately andselflessly moved forward, picked up <strong>the</strong> grenade, and in an effort to clear <strong>the</strong> immediate threat,threw <strong>the</strong> grenade away from his fellow Rangers. As he was releasing <strong>the</strong> grenade it detonated,amputating his right hand at <strong>the</strong> wrist and fur<strong>the</strong>r injuring him with multiple shrapnel wounds.Although picking up and throwing <strong>the</strong> live grenade grievously wounded Staff Sergeant Petry, hisgallant act undeniably saved his fellow Rangers from being severely wounded or killed. Despite<strong>the</strong> severity <strong>of</strong> his wounds, Staff Sergeant Petry continued to maintain <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> mind toplace a tourniquet on his right wrist before communicating <strong>the</strong> situation by radio in order tocoordinate support for himself and his fellow wounded Rangers. Staff Sergeant Petry’sextraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with <strong>the</strong> highest traditions <strong>of</strong> militaryservice, and reflect great credit upon himself, 75th Ranger Regiment, and <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong>Army.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>23
By Rachel ArroyoAFSOC Public AffairsNew CC: AFSOC packs a punchThere is nothing Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel enjoys more thanto deploy as part <strong>of</strong> a joint team.So to be back among <strong>the</strong> Airmen who do it <strong>the</strong> mostas commander <strong>of</strong> Air Force <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong><strong>Command</strong> is both humbling and exciting, he said.“I cannot imagine any o<strong>the</strong>r command in <strong>the</strong> AirForce that is more forward postured and forwarddeployed than AFSOC,” Fiel said.If given <strong>the</strong> opportunity to sit down with each Air<strong>Command</strong>o, <strong>the</strong> first words out <strong>of</strong> his mouth would be“thank you.” Thank you for having <strong>the</strong> courage andingenuity to get <strong>the</strong> job done and for sacrificing timewith family in order to do it.“I’d thank each individual, but more importantly, I’dthank <strong>the</strong>ir families as well,” he said.Fiel, who took command <strong>of</strong> AFSOC in June, hascome full circle. His first assignment out <strong>of</strong> navigatorand electronic warfare <strong>of</strong>ficer training brought him toHurlburt Field, Fla. where he was an MC-130E CombatTalon electronic warfare <strong>of</strong>ficer, instructor and executive<strong>of</strong>ficer assigned to <strong>the</strong> 8th<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Squadron.Approximately 13years <strong>of</strong> his 30-year careerhave been spent atHurlburt Field and haveincluded assignments aschief <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> electroniccombat division at <strong>the</strong>23rd Air Force, director <strong>of</strong>operations at <strong>the</strong> 18thFlight Test Squadron andcommander <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 4th<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong>Squadron.After being promotedto brigadier general, Fielreturned to Hurlburt Field in 2005 to direct all AFSOCoperations. His most recent assignment was as vicecommander,Headquarters U.S.<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong><strong>Command</strong>,Washington D.C.Eleven yearsspent in joint andcombat assignmentshave reinforced <strong>the</strong>impact <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> Forceshave working as ateam in <strong>the</strong>ater.“We usuallyprovide one hell <strong>of</strong> a punch to any combatant“Everyone has <strong>the</strong>ir service affiliation and<strong>the</strong>ir patch, but when you’re forwarddeployed, patches come <strong>of</strong>f. Everyone wears<strong>the</strong> same flight suits and uniform, so it is trulya SOF team. The Army <strong>Special</strong> Forces guycannot do his job without us. Nei<strong>the</strong>r can <strong>the</strong>SEAL. They’ve got to have mobility, <strong>the</strong>y’vegot to have fire support, <strong>the</strong>y’ve got to haveintelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,or <strong>the</strong>y’re walking.”— Lt. Gen. Eric FielLt. Gen. Eric Fielcommander,” Fiel said. “There’s not much a SOF teamcan’t solve.”The combatant commanders’ focus is directed toward<strong>the</strong> operational capabilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> joint team, <strong>the</strong> generalsaid, emphasizing AFSOC cannot complete <strong>the</strong> missionwithout its Army, Navy and Marine Corps counterparts.“Everyone has <strong>the</strong>ir service affiliation and <strong>the</strong>irpatch, but when you’re forward deployed, patches come<strong>of</strong>f,” Fiel said. “Everyonewears <strong>the</strong> same flight suitsand uniform, so it is trulya SOF team. The Army<strong>Special</strong> Forces guy cannotdo his job without us.Nei<strong>the</strong>r can <strong>the</strong> SEAL.They’ve got to havemobility, <strong>the</strong>y’ve got tohave fire support, <strong>the</strong>y’vegot to have intelligence,surveillance andreconnaissance, or <strong>the</strong>y’rewalking.”This impact has Fielconfident AFSOC willhold up well in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong>impending Department <strong>of</strong>Defense budget cuts. For an organization that is allocatedapproximately one percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Air Force budget,<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>24
AFSOC is a bargain.“We are a relatively cheap organization with highpay<strong>of</strong>f, so I think we’ll do okay,” he said. “But I thinkwe need to focus on quality, not quantity, because <strong>the</strong>bigger you get, <strong>the</strong> harder it is to maintain that qualityedge.”Over <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> next 60 days, Fiel will beconducting a “Health <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Force” assessment that willfocus on combat readiness, force structure andinfrastructure.It will culminate in <strong>the</strong> October release <strong>of</strong> fiscal year2012 “AFSOC <strong>Command</strong>er’s Guidance.”Fiel will brief <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> command to both <strong>the</strong>Chief <strong>of</strong> Staff <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Air Force and <strong>the</strong> commander <strong>of</strong>USSOCOM following <strong>the</strong> close <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> assessment.While <strong>the</strong> budget is <strong>of</strong> concern, it is not what keepsFiel awake at night.“The thing that bo<strong>the</strong>rs me <strong>the</strong> most is waiting for<strong>the</strong> phone call - that we lost ano<strong>the</strong>r Airman - and youknow it’s going to happen because we’ve been doing thisfor ten years,” <strong>the</strong> general said. “I think to myself, havewe done everything we possibly can to keep our Airmenforward deployed in a safe manner?”The SOF truth “humans are more important thanhardware” resonates with Fiel. His first piece <strong>of</strong> adviceto Airmen centers on family.“Make sure that you take care <strong>of</strong> your family because<strong>the</strong> higher rates <strong>of</strong> deployments put a lot <strong>of</strong> pressures on<strong>the</strong> family unit,” he said.Problems at home can <strong>of</strong>ten yield problems at work,making it difficult for Airmen to perform on <strong>the</strong> job.While it can be a challenge to balance <strong>the</strong> two, <strong>the</strong> NewYork native said, Airmen should do <strong>the</strong>ir best to take care<strong>of</strong> not only <strong>the</strong>ir families, but <strong>the</strong>ir teammates’ families.Fiel credits his own wife and son for support thatenables him to serve.“I love deploying. I absolutely do. But my wife andson have paid <strong>the</strong> price,” Fiel said. “They’ve allowed meto go do what I absolutely love doing, and that's why Ijoined.”Their commitment to <strong>the</strong> mission, in addition to <strong>the</strong>commitment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Air <strong>Command</strong>o, distinguishesAFSOC.“We work at it,” Fiel said. “We’re not perfect.There’s always room for improvement, but at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> day, it’s <strong>the</strong> family that makes SOF special.”Air Guardmember namedone <strong>of</strong> AF's top 12Air Force Staff Sgt. John Norris, a tactical air controlparty specialist with <strong>the</strong> Pennsylvania Air NationalGuard’s 193rd <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Wing, worksalongside soldiers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 101st Airborne Division duringhis deployment to <strong>the</strong> Kunar province, Afghanistan, inlate 2010. Air Force <strong>of</strong>ficials announced July 14, thatNorris was selected as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12 Outstanding Airmen<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year. Courtesy photo.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>25
A Navy SEAL platoon performs a land warfare demonstration from a SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter during a capabilitiesdemonstration at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va., July 16. The Naval <strong>Special</strong> Warfare Community displayed itscapabilities as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 42nd UDT/SEAL East Coast Reunion celebrations. Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Robert Fluegel.By Petty Officer 3rd Class James Gin<strong>the</strong>rNSWG 2 Public AffairsThe Naval <strong>Special</strong> Warfare community held its42nd annual East Coast Underwater Demolition Team(UDT)/SEAL reunion July 16-18 on board JointExpeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.The event reunites active and retired Navy SEALsfor a weekend focused on NSW history, heritage andfamily support.“It’s <strong>the</strong> one time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year that active andretired members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> [NSW] community can gettoge<strong>the</strong>r and swap stories and just hang out,” saidChuck Williams, UDT/SEAL Association presidentand event coordinator. “It’s a huge boost <strong>of</strong>camaraderie.”The annual reunion started in 1969 and hasexpanded into a weekend <strong>of</strong> events, contests andSEAL capabilities exercises.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>26
This year’s reunion began with areception commemorating <strong>the</strong> 50thanniversary <strong>of</strong> SEAL Team 2. Theweekend included a golf tournamentand skeet shoot competition,followed by a tennis tournament.Competitive sports are a mainstay at<strong>the</strong> reunions, because <strong>the</strong>y reinforce<strong>the</strong> mentality <strong>of</strong> working toge<strong>the</strong>rtowards a common goal.“It’s a fraternal order,” saidWilliams. “These guys consider<strong>the</strong>mselves bro<strong>the</strong>rs no matter <strong>the</strong>age gap.”The crowning event <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>weekend was <strong>the</strong> capabilitiesdemonstration, which showcasedUDT/SEAL tactics and equipment,while providing a brief history <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>ir origins.Six thousand active duty andretired SEALs, along with <strong>the</strong>irfriends and families, and eventvolunteers, ga<strong>the</strong>red at “E” beachwhere <strong>the</strong> Navy’s parachute team,<strong>the</strong> Leap Frogs, kicked things <strong>of</strong>f bylanding with a wreath and anAmerican flag as <strong>the</strong> nationalan<strong>the</strong>m was sung.“The volunteer effort isoutstanding,” said Williams. “Wehad upwards <strong>of</strong> 50 people who cameto us and wanted to be a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>event.”The weekend celebration endedwith several events including abeach bash, which featured a liveband, and a picnic on Sunday.The U.S. Navy Demonstration parachuteteam, <strong>the</strong> Leap Frogs, perform a downplanemaneuver during a capabilitiesdemonstration at Joint ExpeditionaryBase Little Creek, Va., July 16. The Naval<strong>Special</strong> Warfare Community displayed itscapabilities as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 42nd UDT/SEALEast Coast Reunion celebrations. Photoby Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer RobertFluegel.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>27
First Lambertsen Award foroperational innovation awarded toMARSOC Non-Commissioned OfficerBy Tech. Sgt. Hea<strong>the</strong>r KellyUSSOCOM Public AffairsThe first Dr. Christian J. Lambertsen Award forOperational Innovation was recently awarded to MarineCorps Staff Sergeant Craig S. Cooper during a ceremony at<strong>the</strong> 2011 <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Forces and IndustrialConference formal dinner.The award recognizes extraordinary accomplishment <strong>of</strong>a <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Force member who creates anddelivers a new and important operational capability for SOF,<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>28Adm. Eric T. Olson, USSOCOM formercommander, presents <strong>the</strong> first Dr. ChristianJ. Lambertsen Award to Staff Sgt. Craig S.Cooper while <strong>the</strong> sons <strong>of</strong> Dr. Lambertsenlook on. The award recognizesextraordinary accomplishments <strong>of</strong> a<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Force member whocreates and delivers a new and importantoperational capability for SOF, consistentwith <strong>the</strong> innovative spirit personified by Dr.Lambertsen, a SOF pioneer in militaryoperations, spaceflight, and medicine.Photo by Mike Bottoms.consistent with <strong>the</strong> innovative spirit personified by Dr.Lambertsen, a SOF pioneer in military operations,spaceflight, and medicine.Currently serving as <strong>the</strong> Motor Transport Chief with 2ndMarine <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> Battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C.,Cooper is <strong>the</strong> first person to be recognized with <strong>the</strong> honor.Deployed to Afghanistan during <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 2010, herecognized a critical need on <strong>the</strong> RG 31 and RG 33 armoredpersonnel carriers.“The vehicles came with an individual tool that onlyopens <strong>the</strong> doors on those vehicles,” Cooper said. “It was
large and held in by a pin on <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle. Itweighed three or four pounds… too big to carry on yourgear.”Cooper explained that if your vehicle was disabled withan IED or rollover and that specific variant tool wasunusable, you couldn’t get <strong>the</strong> locks open.“We went down to <strong>the</strong> machine shop that SOCOM had,explained <strong>the</strong> idea and <strong>the</strong>y put it toge<strong>the</strong>r for us. The resultwas a multipurpose egress tool that we could carry on ourgear and it actually opened up all <strong>the</strong> blast locks on all <strong>the</strong>different variants <strong>of</strong> vehicles,” Cooper said.A couple <strong>of</strong> months later, that initiative proved to becritical when returning from a forward operating base inAfghanistan. “We were coming back from setting up avillage stability platform, and it had been raining a fewdays,” Cooper explained.“We crossed <strong>the</strong> bridge and one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> guys in front <strong>of</strong>me went to <strong>the</strong> left a little bit and <strong>the</strong> road gave way, whenwe started to pull <strong>the</strong> truck out, <strong>the</strong> road completely gaveway and he just rolled over on <strong>the</strong> driver side and went in <strong>the</strong>water in about 5 or 6 feet <strong>of</strong> water.”“We climbed up on <strong>the</strong> truck and <strong>the</strong> tool that was on <strong>the</strong>vehicle was underwater so we couldn’t get to it and we didn’thave ano<strong>the</strong>r variant <strong>of</strong> that vehicle so we climbed up <strong>the</strong>reand one <strong>of</strong> my guys said he couldn’t get it open so I told himto use <strong>the</strong> tool that he had on his vest. So he pulled that toolout and stuck it in <strong>the</strong> slot and opened <strong>the</strong> blast locks and wewere able to get all four <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m out.”Although his team only had moments to react, Coopersaid panic never set in.“I had no time to think, it was just quick reaction: justget <strong>the</strong>m out, get <strong>the</strong> truck out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> water and get down <strong>the</strong>road. Everyone came out uninjured, except one troop with ascratch on his forehead.”Cooper credited <strong>the</strong> homegrown SOF multipurpose toolfor ease <strong>of</strong> egress.“We would have had a hard time getting <strong>the</strong>m out <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>re without it. Granted, <strong>the</strong>y would have eventually beenable to open <strong>the</strong> lock from <strong>the</strong> inside because <strong>the</strong>y weren’thurt, but had <strong>the</strong>y been hurt, we wouldn’t have been able toget <strong>the</strong>m out so quickly. We probably had <strong>the</strong>m out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>vehicle in less than two minutes.”It took an hour to get <strong>the</strong> vehicle completely out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>water. By <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong>y recovered it, water had completelyfilled <strong>the</strong> cab, he said.When Cooper returned to base that night, he briefed hisexecutive <strong>of</strong>ficer on what had happened. He was notifiedabout <strong>the</strong> Lambertsen award shortly after.“It caught me <strong>of</strong>f guard; I wasn’t expecting anything likethat. We knew we needed it, we just hoped we never had touse it,” Cooper said.“The award was humbling, as <strong>the</strong> first person to receiveit I hope <strong>the</strong>re are more to be given out,” Cooper said. “It justproves that <strong>the</strong>re is a lot <strong>of</strong> ingenuity in <strong>the</strong> services. Peoplethat are coming up with ideas are being recognized when<strong>the</strong>y should be. It helps folks know <strong>the</strong>y are doing <strong>the</strong> rightthing.”William Shepherd, SOCOM Science and Technologyadvisor, agreed.“As <strong>the</strong> first SOF award <strong>of</strong> its kind, this honors Dr.Lambertsen by recognizing individuals in <strong>the</strong> force whoinnovate,” Shepherd said. “Cooper certainly distinguishedhimself in a number <strong>of</strong> aspects. Not only did he bring thiscapability to being, but was also able to use it in a significantand meaningful way. We hope this award stimulates <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rStaff Sergeant Coopers who are out <strong>the</strong>re. Innovation is a part<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SOF ethos.”Shepherd said that Adm. Eric T. Olson championed <strong>the</strong>idea <strong>of</strong> moving capabilities closer to <strong>the</strong> warfighter.“The Rapid Exploitation <strong>of</strong> Innovative Technology forSOF initiative is something relatively new to <strong>the</strong> command,”said Shepherd. “We began <strong>the</strong> experiment in 2009,establishing mobile shops, engineers and technologistsliterally on <strong>the</strong> battlefield. We knew that if we could get <strong>the</strong>right resources and talent in places that need it, good thingsare going to happen.”In this case, good things were delivered in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong>lives saved through <strong>the</strong> innovation <strong>of</strong> one Marine Corps staffnoncommissioned <strong>of</strong>ficer. Like his award’s namesake,Cooper said improving systems and resources comesnaturally to him.“My dad did stuff like this, invented things when he wasyoung,” Cooper said. “I guess it’s in my nature to do <strong>the</strong>same. I have a habit <strong>of</strong> looking at something and seeingthings I’d do differently with it, it usually works out a lotbetter.”Cooper and Shepherd both encouraged all SOFservicemembers to do <strong>the</strong> same.“Anytime you come up with an idea that works or savesa life, or betters something around you, continue to push thatand don’t give it up,” Cooper said. “Just because one thingdoesn’t work doesn’t mean that you’re not going to come upwith something later down <strong>the</strong> road that will work. Nevergive up on that.”<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>29
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Master Sgt. Karim Mella (right) displays <strong>the</strong>American flag loaned to him from <strong>the</strong> Post 911Foundation atop <strong>of</strong> Mount Everest May 21. Mellais <strong>the</strong> first Dominican to climb Mount Everest.Courtesy photo.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>31
The view from near <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> MountEverest. Photo by Master Sgt. Karim Mella.At age 13, when most young boys are chasing soccerballs, baseballs and footballs, Karim Mella began chasing adream.“I decided to go to Everest in 1982…a long time ago. Isaid ‘I’m going to climb that mountain.’”Nearly 30 years later, Mella fulfilled that ambition,reaching <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> famed peak May 21.The Dominican Republic native and U.S. Army MasterSgt. with <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> began climbingmountains in 1987.“My first high mountain was Pico Bolivar in Venezuela,I was 19-years-old,” he said. “I did that during my summervacation in my sophomore year <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> naval academy. Afterthat I fell in love with mountaineering. Before that I was justdoing a lot <strong>of</strong> trekking through <strong>the</strong> mountains in <strong>the</strong>Dominican Republic.”After graduating from high school, he attended <strong>the</strong>Dominican Republic naval academy, spending two years asan ensign before immigrating to <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong>, where hejoined <strong>the</strong> U.S. Army.“When I came to <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong>, I started doing rockclimbing, eventually going back to mountaineering. I starteddoing high mountains like Aconcagua, Huascaran,Kilimanjaro, Kenya and Mount Denali in Alaska,” he said.His motivation to mountain climb, Mella explained, is acombination <strong>of</strong> many things.“One is to be out <strong>the</strong>re in nature, ano<strong>the</strong>r is you go <strong>the</strong>rebecause <strong>of</strong> your efforts,” Mella said. “It’s not like you cantake a car and drive <strong>the</strong>re; you have to fight and work to getto <strong>the</strong> top. And <strong>the</strong> view is just amazing; it basically showsyou how small you are in <strong>the</strong> big scheme <strong>of</strong> things. Somepeople think <strong>the</strong>y can take over <strong>the</strong> world in a day but we’reso insignificant - <strong>the</strong> mountain shows you that.”Although he had successfully ascended high mountainsbefore, scaling Everest presented some unique trainingchallenges.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>32
“I compete in Iron Mans and triathlons, training forthose prepared me for <strong>the</strong> mountain,” he said. “Swim, runand bike with just a few changes here and <strong>the</strong>re, but forEverest I also had to do stairs.”When referring to “stairs”, Mella does not mean <strong>the</strong>Stairmaster machine at <strong>the</strong> local YMCA.“I received permission to train in <strong>the</strong> 43-story Bank <strong>of</strong>America building in downtown Tampa. I would climb itthree or four times depending on how fast I would do thatday. That was a part <strong>of</strong> my weekly training for Everest,” hesaid.Training solo, Mella maintained <strong>the</strong> routine for sixmonths.Throughout <strong>the</strong> rigorous training, Mella remained injuryfree,allowing him to set <strong>of</strong>f for <strong>the</strong> two-month expeditionMarch 27, joining a team <strong>of</strong> 26 in Kathmandu, Nepal.Mella met with two o<strong>the</strong>r Dominican climbers and <strong>the</strong>yformed Team Excelsior, <strong>the</strong> first Dominican expedition to <strong>the</strong>top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. At <strong>the</strong>ir arrival in Nepal, Excelsior joinedInternational Mountain Guides for <strong>the</strong> expedition.The team had to trek for two weeks before reaching basecamp. In <strong>the</strong> approach, Sgt. Mella experienced a cold andstomach flu that lasted five days. The second time, his illnessput him out for six days. Recovery at that altitude is veryslow, he said.“It’s something you can’t do anything about, but I neverlet that get to my head,” Mella said. “I just concentrated ondoing everything I had to do to recover: getting medicine,resting, getting fluids, that was my main job.”Throughout <strong>the</strong> journey, <strong>the</strong> original team had dividedinto several groups. When a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> group falls ill,<strong>the</strong> team progresses on. Mella had to catch up after herecovered.“In <strong>the</strong> end, I was only one day behind my originalgroup. My climbing partner was with me and <strong>the</strong> two <strong>of</strong> usmade up <strong>the</strong> third group. When <strong>the</strong> group in front <strong>of</strong> us wentto summit, <strong>the</strong>re was a big storm and some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m had to berescued. One suffered frostbite. They had a really bad timeon <strong>the</strong> mountain.”Once he reached <strong>the</strong> summit, Mella said <strong>the</strong> climb, <strong>the</strong>suffering, <strong>the</strong> hard work, <strong>the</strong> two months away from homeand all <strong>the</strong> cold was worth it.“The feeling I got when I got to <strong>the</strong> summit, I could tellyou but it really wouldn’t describe it,” he said. “It’s a surrealexperience, seeing <strong>the</strong> curvature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth and whereyou’re standing, that’s priceless.”In addition to his gear and supplies, Mella carriedsomething else with him along <strong>the</strong> journey to <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>world.“The American flag that I took was a loan from <strong>the</strong> Post911 Foundation,” Mella said. “It will be returning to NewYork for <strong>the</strong> 10-year memorial at Ground Zero.”The Post 911 Foundation is led by veteran firstresponders, military veterans, and local communityorganizers to provide direct support to those serving <strong>the</strong>nation in battle and emergency response services.According to <strong>the</strong> foundation, <strong>the</strong> “Follow <strong>the</strong> Flag”campaign strives to inspire those in need through <strong>the</strong>symbolism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American flag. To demonstrate <strong>the</strong>re is noplace on earth too remote or too challenging for military andfirst responders, <strong>the</strong> flag flown over Ground Zero <strong>the</strong>morning after September 11 was with Mella when heascended <strong>the</strong> peak.Although <strong>the</strong> original team was made up <strong>of</strong> 26 people,only 19 made it to <strong>the</strong> summit. One member died and <strong>the</strong>rest abandoned <strong>the</strong> expedition.When a fatality occurs, Mella said maintaining focus iscritical.“As a climber you have to shield yourself from eventslike that, you cannot carry that tragedy with you on <strong>the</strong>mountain, because you can end up like that,” he said. “Ifyour mind is not with you in <strong>the</strong> mountain, it’s verydangerous. When that happens you feel really sorry and bad,in some ways it’s like combat: you need to put it aside andcontinue <strong>the</strong> mission, in an expedition it’s no different.”“When you are up <strong>the</strong>re and see all <strong>the</strong> mountains andridges around, you really look inside and say ‘I’m nothing,I’m not even a mark.’ That really makes you think aboutwhat you are experiencing and what you are looking at andseeing.”While Sir Edmund Hillary may have been <strong>the</strong> first toascend <strong>the</strong> mountain in 1953, Mella became <strong>the</strong> firstDominican to successfully reach <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> peak. Thefeat garnered him many accolades when he arrived home.Only one o<strong>the</strong>r member <strong>of</strong> Team Excelsior successfullymade <strong>the</strong> ascent.“After our return from Everest, we met <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic during a small ceremony at <strong>the</strong>National Palace,” he said. “I also received a plaque from <strong>the</strong>Dominican Navy's Chief <strong>of</strong> staff and my DominicanRepublic Naval Academy class. It was a huge honor.”Humbled and invigorated by <strong>the</strong> experience, Mella saidhis next journey will take him to <strong>the</strong> world’s second-tallestpeak.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>33
Internationalperspectivesconverge to promote global securityStory and photos By Staff Sgt. Ryan O’HareUSSOCOM Strategic Communications<strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong> hostedSovereign Challenge VII, June 6-9, in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>nations’ largest Arab-American community, Dearborn,Mich.Sovereign Challenge is a USSOCOM StrategicCommunications-sponsored international engagementprogram focused on defending <strong>the</strong> sovereignty <strong>of</strong> nationsand how extremism threatens that independence. Thisconference, titled “Minorities and Ethnic Groups:Separation, Assimilation and Radicalization,”highlighted <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> extremism potentiallyarising out <strong>of</strong> ethnic and minority groups within anation.Stan Schrager, Sovereign Challenge Coordinator,says <strong>the</strong> conference provides a venue for representativesfrom participating nations to foster relationships andshare national policies, positions, and ideas related tosovereignty, security and associated threats. Participantfeedback helps <strong>the</strong> conference progress. This year’sevent included more than 80 government and civilianattachés from 55 countries, as well as influentialImam Sayid Hassan Al-Qazwini, Islamic Center <strong>of</strong> America scholar and religious leader, educates Sovereign Challenge VIIguests about America’s largest Arab-American community, Dearborn, Mich. Sovereign Challenge is a <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> <strong>Command</strong>-sponsored international engagement program, focusing on defending <strong>the</strong> sovereignty <strong>of</strong> nations. Thisconference, titled “Minorities and Ethnic Groups: Separation, Assimilation and Radicalization,” highlighted <strong>the</strong>possibility <strong>of</strong> extremism potentially arising out <strong>of</strong> ethnic and minority groups within a nation.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>34
community, political and religious leaders.According to Brig. Gen. Peter Resch,Austrian Defense Attaché, <strong>the</strong> interactionamong participants and <strong>the</strong> lessons learnedfrom each Sovereign Challenge event can beapplied globally. The evolution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>conference has been valuable.“I would describe Sovereign Challengeas a platform for exchange <strong>of</strong> views,” saidResch. “What is real interesting to me is <strong>the</strong>changing <strong>of</strong> Sovereign Challenge over <strong>the</strong>years. In <strong>the</strong> beginning it was a militaryplatform, <strong>the</strong> participants were soldiers andwe always wanted to integrate more andmore law enforcement and political attachés.When I look now to this conference, it’swhat we wanted, and this is great.”The cultural diversity <strong>of</strong> SovereignChallenge VII attendees creates anopportunity for a variety <strong>of</strong> perspectives tobe presented. Throughout <strong>the</strong> four-dayconference, 26 guest speakers and subjectmatter experts from diverse backgrounds discussed <strong>the</strong>conference topics and how <strong>the</strong>y affect <strong>the</strong>ir country.“I would say that nearly all nations deal with thisissue – in some it is more significant than o<strong>the</strong>rs –but intoday’s world, <strong>the</strong> movement <strong>of</strong> ethnic and nationalgroups and minorities, which is common, clearly alters<strong>the</strong> character <strong>of</strong> a nation,” said Schrager. “These groupsmay remain separate though <strong>the</strong>y may reside in ournations, <strong>the</strong>y may assimilate, or <strong>the</strong>y may becomeradicalized – we call it ‘homegrown terrorism’.”The conference’s location complemented its <strong>the</strong>me.Of approximately 100,000 people residing in Dearborn,nearly 45,000 are Arab-Americans. The city’s diverseheritage is traced back to <strong>the</strong> early 20th century, whenLebanese immigrants came in large numbers seekingemployment in <strong>the</strong> local automotive industry. Since thattime, immigrants from Iraq, Yemen and o<strong>the</strong>r Middle-Eastern countries have also immigrated, creating amelting pot <strong>of</strong> Arab-American culture.Attendees visited <strong>the</strong> Arab-American NationalMuseum, <strong>the</strong> first museum in <strong>the</strong> world devoted to Arab-American history and culture. Robert Stockton, pr<strong>of</strong>essor<strong>of</strong> Political Science at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Michigan,Dearborn campus, spoke with <strong>the</strong> conference guestsSovereign Challenge VII guests address issues concerning <strong>the</strong>ir countriesduring a discussion group. Panels and discussion groups accompany dailyconference presentations, allowing more in-depth communication amonginternational participants. This year’s event, located in Dearborn Mich.,included more than 80 government and civilian attachés from 55 countries.regarding Arab integration into Dearborn and <strong>the</strong> effects<strong>of</strong> 9/11 on <strong>the</strong> community.Although <strong>the</strong> Arab-American community inDearborn grieved along with <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation, <strong>the</strong>ywere instantly viewed as a threat.“I wish I could take you back to September 12th,”said Stockton.”I can’t tell you <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> shock. It waschilling. We didn’t know what was happening next.”In addition to <strong>the</strong> AANM, Dearborn is home to <strong>the</strong>Islamic Center <strong>of</strong> America, <strong>the</strong> largest Muslim mosque inNorth America. These notable facilities, supported by <strong>the</strong>cities unique ethnic identity, are a paradigm <strong>of</strong> Arabintegration into America’s heartland.The documentary film, “Fordson <strong>the</strong> Movie: Faith,Fasting, and Football” features ano<strong>the</strong>r Dearbornlandmark, Fordson High School. The film looks at <strong>the</strong>school’s football players and how a student bodycomprised <strong>of</strong> 95 percent Arab-Americans impacts <strong>the</strong>team, especially after 9/11. Conference attendeeswatched a private screening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> film.“I think it’s an interesting lesson,” said Schrager.“It’s about more than American football, obviously. It’s aparable, a metaphor. I think it fits in very well with <strong>the</strong><strong>the</strong>me <strong>of</strong> this conference about minorities and ethnic<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>35
groups and <strong>the</strong>ir valued place inAmerican society.”The following day commencedwith a panel discussion titled <strong>the</strong>“Dearborn Experience.” Its focus brought communityleaders, including <strong>the</strong> mayor, chief <strong>of</strong> police and localimam, toge<strong>the</strong>r to educate attendees on issues affectingDearborn.“Muslims live in <strong>the</strong> Unites <strong>States</strong> in peace. Andespecially in this beautiful city, <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> Dearborn,”said Imam Sayid Hassan Al-Qazwini, <strong>the</strong> religiousleader at <strong>the</strong> Islamic Center <strong>of</strong> America. “They are asnormal as any o<strong>the</strong>r American individual or citizen.They love America. And <strong>the</strong>y eat like Americans. Theydream like Americans. They laugh like Americans.”As part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> afternoon agenda, <strong>the</strong> conferencefocus shifted from local demographics to internationalterrorism concerns. Peter Bergen, CNN national securityanalyst and author, presented his global view on violentextremism, particularly <strong>the</strong>future <strong>of</strong> al-Qaida in <strong>the</strong> MiddleEast after <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Osamabin Laden.“Al Qaida and its allieshave been losing <strong>the</strong> war <strong>of</strong>ideas in <strong>the</strong> Muslim world for along time,” said Bergen. “Thedeath <strong>of</strong> bin Laden and <strong>the</strong> ArabSpring have accelerated this process.”Panels and discussion groups accompanied <strong>the</strong>conference presentations, allowing more in-depthcommunication among participants.“These discussion groups are intentionally structuredto have a mix <strong>of</strong> countries talking about <strong>the</strong>se topicstoge<strong>the</strong>r,” said Schrager. “It’s a way to continue <strong>the</strong>main conference topics in a more intimate, informalenvironment. The ongoing dialogue via <strong>the</strong>seconferences, seminars and o<strong>the</strong>r appropriate forumsenhances security within <strong>the</strong> global environment.”Before a private tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Henry Ford Museum,Adm. Eric T. Olson, USSOCOM <strong>Command</strong>er, spokewith <strong>the</strong> audience and expressed his gratitude for <strong>the</strong>irinterest and participation in Sovereign Challenge VII.“We do intend that Sovereign Challenge is a forumfor discovery, for casual conversations, for buildingrelationships, for learning from one ano<strong>the</strong>r,” said Olson.“I believe it’s a very important topic to address, at this“We cannot fear, it will defeat us.Victory is no entitlement, but anobligation to our future.”Dr. Shanthikumar Hettiarachchiparticular conference, at this particular time. We’redealing with issues that strike at <strong>the</strong> soul <strong>of</strong> who peopleare and what <strong>the</strong>y stand for. I would say that it is notalways about what people think; it is <strong>of</strong>ten about whatpeople believe that is <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> this conference. Ithank you for being here. I thank you for being activeparticipants.”The following day commenced with a presentationtitled “Homegrown Terrorism: Prevent, Pursue, andEngage.” It focused on ethnic and minority groupsincreasing within global capitals and suburbs. Accordingto Dr. Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi, a religion, conflictand social cohesion lecturer and consultant from SriLanka, many homegrown terrorists are second or thirdgeneration citizens searching for a new identity. Theseindividuals are <strong>of</strong>ten mentored from terrorist groupsoverseas with a religiously motivated agenda.According to Hettiarachchi, <strong>the</strong>se ideals must becountered early in order to prevent future attacks.Communities must study,analyze, monitor, pursue andengage <strong>the</strong>se individuals.Community engagementprevents radicalization in apractical way. It encouragespeople to fall back oncommunity to counter terrorism,because violent behavior provesunproductive. It helps individuals understand and respectpeople’s values, cultural norms, social etiquette andbehaviors.“We cannot fear, it will defeat us,” saidHettiarachchi. “Victory is no entitlement, but anobligation to our future.”With terrorists using <strong>the</strong> Internet as an open forumto spread <strong>the</strong>ir violent propaganda worldwide, lawenforcement agencies are playing a larger role in effortsto counter terrorism.International Law Enforcement attachés providedinsight into issues <strong>the</strong>y face. In addition to variouscommunity engagements, a European Union programcalled “Check <strong>the</strong> Web” finds, translates and assessesvarious documents posted on extremist websites. Check<strong>the</strong> Web is used as an information portal for nations toanalyze information from more than 400 web sitesworldwide. It includes statements, videos and audio filesfrom multiple terrorist networks. Used to combat<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>36
(Left) George Selim, Department <strong>of</strong> Homeland Security guest speaker, speaks with Stan Schrager, Sovereign Challenge VIIcoordinator, regarding America’s largest Arab-American community. The conference, located in Dearborn, Mich., provides avenue for representatives from participating nations to foster relationships and share national policies, positions and ideas.Thecultural diversity <strong>of</strong> this year’s event, including more than 80 government and civilian attachés from 55 countries, creates anopportunity for a variety <strong>of</strong> perspectives to be presented.terrorist propaganda, it is increasingly recognized within<strong>the</strong> EU Member State Counter Terrorism community as apoint <strong>of</strong> reference for documenting extremist web sitesand material. Once credible information’s discovered, it’sshared with international agencies to counter <strong>the</strong> terroristthreat.The conference agenda featured o<strong>the</strong>r topicsincluding U.S. border security and programs designed tode-radicalize extremists before, or even after, <strong>the</strong>y havecommitted a terrorist act.The final day <strong>of</strong> Sovereign Challenge VII continued<strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> countering violent extremism. The first paneldiscussion titled “Use <strong>of</strong> Sports to Reduce Radicalization<strong>of</strong> Youth,” encouraged bringing adolescents toge<strong>the</strong>rthrough team sports to promote positive values and lifeskills. These values, such as leadership, cooperation andconflict resolution, enhance relationships within adiverse community. Over time, coaches and staff becomepositive role models to <strong>the</strong> players. Various countriesworldwide have implemented sports programs, reducingstress and tension among youth and providingconstructive alternatives to gang activity and violence.Concluding <strong>the</strong> conference presentations, arepresentative from <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> HomelandSecurity discussed <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> protectingAmericans and <strong>the</strong>ir values, regardless <strong>of</strong> ethnicbackground. Additionally, he spoke about communityinvolvement and public engagement programs fosteringdomestic and international benefit.“One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> specialties <strong>of</strong> Sovereign Challenge is <strong>the</strong>global approach,” said Resch. “It’s easy in a region t<strong>of</strong>ind agreements to common problems because we have asimilar approach to <strong>the</strong> problem. If you discuss <strong>the</strong> sameproblem with someone from Indonesia, you discover adifferent dimension <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same problem. This issomething we very <strong>of</strong>ten forget.”For more information on <strong>the</strong> Sovereign Challengeprogram visit www.sovereignchallenge.org.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>37
Tech. Sgt.John W. BrownStaff Sgt.Andrew W. HarvellTech. Sgt.Daniel L. ZerbeStaff Sgt.Patrick R. DolphinSgt.Dennis E. KanclerSgt.Christopher M. WrinklePetty Officer 1st Class(SEAL)Darrik C. BensonChief Petty Officer(SEAL)Brian R. BillPetty Officer 1st Class(SEAL)Christopher G. CampbellPetty Officer 1st ClassJared W. DayPetty Officer 1st ClassJohn DouangdaraChief Petty Officer(SEAL)John W. Faas<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>38
Chief Petty Officer(SEAL)Kevin A. HoustonLt. Cmdr.(SEAL)Jonas B. KelsallMaster Chief Petty Officer(SEAL)Louis J. LanglaisChief Petty Officer(SEAL)Mat<strong>the</strong>w D. MasonChief Petty Officer(SEAL)Stephen M. MillsChief Petty OfficerNicholas H. NullPetty Officer 1st Class(SEAL)Jesse D. PittmanSenior Chief Petty Officer(SEAL)Thomas A. RatzlaffChief Petty Officer(SEAL)Robert J. ReevesChief Petty Officer(SEAL)Heath M. RobinsonPetty Officer 2nd Class(SEAL)Nicholas P. SpeharPetty Officer 1st ClassMichael J. StrangePetty Officer 1st Class(SEAL)Jon T. TumilsonPetty Officer 1st Class(SEAL)Aaron C. VaughnSenior Chief Petty OfficerKraig M. VickersPetty Officer 1st Class(SEAL)Jason R. WorkmanBartMilitary Working DogStaff Sgt.Francis T. CampionStaff Sgt.Wyatt A. GoldsmithCapt.John D. HortmanStaff Sgt.Jeremy A. KatzenbergerSgt.Alessandro L. PlutinoChief Warrant OfficerSteven B. ReddSgt.Alexander J. BennettChief Warrant OfficerDavid R. CarterSpec.Spencer C. DuncanSgt.Patrick D. HamburgerChief Warrant OfficerBryan J. NicholsEditor’s note: Honored are <strong>Special</strong><strong>Operations</strong> Forces and conventional forcessupporting SOF missions who lost <strong>the</strong>irlives since June’s <strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>.<strong>Tip</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spear</strong>39
Then Staff Sgt. Leroy A. Petry (2nd row, 3rdfrom left) stands with 2nd Ranger Battalionduring <strong>the</strong> 2008 deployment to Afghanistan.Petry received <strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> Honor fromPresident Barack Obama during a ceremonyin <strong>the</strong> East Room <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> White House July 12.Petry distinguished himself by acts <strong>of</strong>gallantry and intrepidity at <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>of</strong> his lifeabove and beyond <strong>the</strong> call <strong>of</strong> duty in actionwith an armed enemy in <strong>the</strong> vicinity <strong>of</strong> PaktyaProvince, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008.